Rafael Benitez has urged Chelsea fans not to read too much into Petr Cech’s claim that Frank Lampard could still have a future at the club.

The Blues have refused to extend Lampard’s contract, which expires in May, despite his impressive form which has seen him eclipse Kerry Dixon to become the club’s second highest scorer with 194 goals.

Supporters baffled at Chelsea’s stance were given hope on Sunday when Blues keeper Cech declared there could be a twist in the saga.

But Benitez said: ‘We know Frank is doing well in training and is playing well.

‘Everyone can see he is doing well and the rest of the team is doing well at the same time. Maybe that’s what Petr was trying to say.

‘Frank can play at a good level and hopefully he can continue until the end of the season.

‘I have to bring the best out of him and I’d be delighted if he scores 15 goals from now until the end of the season. I have to keep him fit.’

Rafael Benitez (left) is hoping for more goals from Lampard before the season is out (Picture: Reuters/Action Images)

The third-placed Blues, who have lost their last two home matches and failed to score on both occasions, can reduce the gap to Premier League leaders Manchester United to 11 points by beating Southampton at Stamford Bridge tomorrow night.

But Benitez claims he has put any thoughts of a late title charge to the back of his mind.

He added: ‘I don’t like to see the table every weekend.

‘The stats are quite good. We are scoring a lot of goals and not conceding too many.

‘That is the balance we were looking for. We will see where we are in a few weeks.’